Remote connector including support structure

ABSTRACT

An articulating connector system including an active connector coupled to a first line and a hub assembly coupled to a second line. The active connector includes a swivel coupling element intermediate a grip and a ball nose to allow rotational and articulating motion. A seal is coupled to the ball nose and is protected and guided by an alignment lip into mating engagement with a sealing surface defined by the hub. A clamp closes about the swivel coupling element and hub to draw together the seal and sealing surface into sealing contact to connect the first line to the second line.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/272,663 filed Mar, 18,1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,720.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for connecting afirst line to a second line. More particularly, this invention relatesto a method and apparatus for connecting two or more lines using aremotely operable articulated connector.

2. Description of Related Art

In many industries, it is necessary to connect a first fluid-carrying orelectrical line to a second line. In particular, the oil and gasindustry regularly utilizes subsea pipelines that must be connected forthe gathering and transportation of produced fluids.

There are several methods and devices currently used for connectinglines, and particularly, subsea lines. Methods known in the art include,for example, standard API or ANSI flanges. Alignment and installation ofbolting may be performed using a diver or remote equipment. Tools thataid in the assembly of flanges may include alignment guides, modifiedbolts, or nut retainers. When a connection is made on relatively smallpipes and in depths that are readily accessible by divers, the use offlanges has been historically acceptable. On larger pipes and inlocations where accessibility becomes a problem for divers andintervention equipment, however, flanges become more difficult to use.Alignment of two flange halves is often time consuming and difficult.Engaging a nut on a bolt may be quite difficult in certain subseaenvironments. Manipulation and cross threading, which often presentsignificant problems for divers, make many current remote connectiontechniques impractical.

One technique under development uses pipe handling frames to manipulatea pipe and to align flanges. Tooling must be included to install thesealing gasket and bolting. Examples of this equipment include theSonsub Brutus system and the Stolt Comex Seaway Matis (Modular AdvanceTie In System) System. Although these systems have shown some degree ofutility, the equipment associated with this technique may be bulky andrelatively difficult to deploy. A typical flanged connection systemutilizing subsea rigging may have a length of about 32 feet, a height ofabout 8 feet, and a weight of about 38 thousand pounds. Mechanisms toinstall the bolting are usually located well inside the frames, and,therefore, access is often restricted to correct any problems withremote bolt manipulation.

Another technique uses a flanged connection system with a midlineball-and-socket type connector. Although this type of system introducesarticulation into the pipe spool, the articulation exhibits significantdrawbacks. Articulation at the midline location is often accompanied byX-Y translation at the point of connection. This may be additive tooverall misalignment of the connection and may therefore create unwantedstresses near the connection point.

Another technique uses a DFCS (Diverless Flowline Connection System)flexible pipe connection system. This system incorporates a flexiblehose. The use of the hose results in reduced stress at the point ofconnection compared to a rigid steel pipe. However, the hose is limitedin use because of manufacturing limitations of size, collapse of thehose from the pressure in deep water, and incompatibility with someaggressive produced fluids that must be transported.

In addition to flange methods, there are other techniques for connectingtwo lines. One technique uses a clamp-type connector, and the clampitself provides structural strength. The clamp may include two or moresegments that may be drawn together with bolts. Some methodspre-assemble the bolts to avoid subsea assembly. The clamp engages twopipeline hubs, and the sealing is between the two hubs. Another methodof engaging the hubs is to use a set of radially oriented colletfingers. The fingers may be rotated into position and provide thestructural strength. A set of radially translated dogs may also be usedas a locking mechanism. The hubs may be drawn together by the dogs in amanner similar to that of the collet fingers.

Although the above-noted techniques have demonstrated at least a degreeof utility in connecting lines, significant room for improvementremains. For instance, such current techniques often requireface-to-face contact, without angular misalignment, between lines inorder for a successful connection to be made. Such required face-to-facecontact means that subsea linear and angular measurements may becomecritical. For example, if a jumper spool is to be connected to twolaterally spaced, upwardly facing pipelines, it is necessary to measurethe linear distance between the two upwardly facing pipelines andprecisely measure the angular orientations of those two pipelines beforethe connection may be made. Equipment for making such measurements,especially for making angular measurements, can be extremely costly andcomplicated, and the measurement process may add significantly todelays, thus further increasing costs in connecting lines. Further,errors in linear measurements may translate into angular errors duringconnection because angular flexing may be required to compensate for,for instance, a short or long jumper spool. Angular errors maysignificantly add to stresses occurring at a connection point. Suchstresses may degrade a connection and may lead to a short productlifetime.

Other disadvantages may arise in current techniques due to the forcesrequired to make a connection when misalignment is present. Thedetermination of forces required to complete a connection is an integralpart of the connector design process. During the installation of theconnector, the application of force may be performed by bolting,clamping, collets, and dogs. The connection load is predetermined and isgenerally difficult to alter. In remote installations, the difficultyincreases due to inaccessibility of the equipment. When a line and itsfinal, intended location differ in linear and/or angular dimensions,there is additional unknown load that must be introduced to complete theconnections. This is the load required to force the connections intoalignment within the tolerance required for sealing. The misalignmentmay be a combined result of measurement error, pipe spool fabrication,gravitational, and thermal influences—regardless of the source of error,however, the additional load required to connect the misaligned linesincreases the probability of an unsatisfactory connection.

Another potential for failure of a connection using current techniquesrelates to damage to a seal or sealing surface during installation.Because current alignment techniques typically use seal surfaces foralignment, the seal often bumps, for example, a flange of another lineduring pipeline alignment. Such bumping may scratch or otherwise damagethe seal, leading to a faulty connection. This increases the potentialfor damage to seals and sealing surfaces. When sealing surfaces used forannulus testing are also used for alignment, damage may occur, which maycause the annulus test to fail.

Many current techniques rely upon divers to facilitate the connectionprocess. However, as subsea pipelines are installed deeper, it maybecome difficult for divers to connect lines. Other techniques may besuitable for divers, but financial concerns may dictate that divers maynot be used because of their high cost. Therefore, a technique that mayconnect lines without divers, but that is inexpensive enough so thatdivers may be used if wanted would be desirable.

In current deep water connections systems, one of the driving costfactors is the cost of the installation vessel and its ancillary costs.These costs often greatly exceed the cost of the connector. Manyactivities, including measurement and subsea pipe manipulation to forcealignment, may require extensive vessel time. A technique that couldreduce installation time would therefore be advantageous.

Problems pointed out in the foregoing are not intended to be exhaustivebut rather are among many that tend to impair the effectiveness ofpreviously known connection techniques. Other noteworthy problems mayexist however, those presented above should be sufficient to demonstratethat previous techniques appearing in the art have not been altogethersatisfactory, particularly in providing a method and apparatus forquickly and inexpensively connecting one or more lines despite somedegree of angular misalignment and without using a seal for alignmentfunctions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one respect, the invention is a connector apparatus for connecting afirst line to a second line and includes a hub, a sealing surface, aswivel coupling element, a seal, an alignment lip, and a clamp. The hubis coupled to the second line. The sealing surface is coupled to thehub. The swivel coupling element is coupled to the first line. The sealis coupled to and configured in operative relation with the swivelcoupling element. The alignment lip is coupled to the hub and isconfigured to protect the seal and to guide the seal into matingengagement with the sealing surface. The clamp is configured to closeabout the swivel coupling element and the hub to draw together the sealand the sealing surface into sealing contact to connect the first lineto the second line.

In other aspects, the connector apparatus may also include a grip and aball nose. The grip may be configured in operative relation with theswivel coupling element, and the ball nose may be coupled between thegrip and the seal. The ball nose may be configured to engage thealignment lip. The swivel coupling element may be positionedintermediate the grip and the ball nose to allow rotational andarticulating motion of the swivel coupling element relative to the firstline. The rotational motion may be 360 degrees, and the articulatingmotion may be about twenty degrees or less relative to the first line.The connector apparatus may also include an annulus testing port definedin the ball nose. The connector apparatus may also include a softlanding body, an alignment cone, and a landing base. The soft landingbody may be configured in operative relation to the seal. The alignmentcone may be slidably coupled to the soft landing body. The landing basemay be coupled to the second line and may be configured to receive thealignment cone. The alignment cone may be configured to align the sealwith the sealing surface by passing over an outer surface of the hub.The soft landing body may be configured to slide in relation to thealignment cone to guide the seal into seating alignment with the sealingsurface. The hub may include a clamping recess configured to mate withthe clamp upon closure of the clamp. The sealing surface may berecessed. The seal may be a ribbed metal seal. The connector apparatusmay also include one or more guide pins and one or more guide cones inoperative relation with the seal. The one or more guide pins may beconfigured to engage the one or more guide cones to guide the first linetowards the second line. The sealing surface may be defined by the hub.The alignment lip may be defined by the hub.

In another respect, the invention is an articulated connector componentincluding a swivel coupling element, a grip, a ball nose, a seal, and aclamp. The grip is configured in operative relation with the swivelcoupling element. The ball nose is coupled to the grip and is configuredin operative relation with the swivel coupling element. The swivelcoupling element is coupled in a position intermediate the grip and theball nose to allow rotational and articulating motion of the swivelcoupling element. The seal is coupled to the ball nose. The clamp isconfigured in operative relation with the seal and operable to closeabout the swivel coupling element.

In other aspects, the connector component may also include a softlanding body in operative relation with the seal and an alignment conecoupled to the soft landing body. The soft landing body may slidablyengage the alignment cone. The connector component may also include asupport structure coupled between the grip and the soft landing body andmay be configured to support the clamp about the seal. The seal and theball nose may be integral. The seal and the ball nose may make up areplaceable sealing unit. The seal may be a ribbed metal seal. Therotational motion may be 360 degrees and the articulating motion may beabout twenty degrees or less relative to a longitudinal axis of theconnector component. The clamp may include a plurality of segments. Theclamp may include a remotely operable clamp actuator. The clamp mayinclude at least one pair of opposing sides, and rotation of the clampactuator may advance the pair of opposing sides to close about theswivel coupling element. The connector component may also include anannulus testing port configured in operative relation with the seal. Theannulus testing port may be defined in the ball nose.

In another respect, the invention is an articulating connector systemincluding an active connector and a hub assembly. The active connectorincludes a swivel coupling element, a grip, a ball nose, a seal, aclamp, a soft landing body, and an alignment cone. The hub assemblyincludes a hub, a sealing surface, an alignment lip, a clamping recess,and a landing base. The grip is configured in operative relation withthe swivel coupling element. The ball nose is coupled to the grip andconfigured in operative relation with the swivel coupling element. Theswivel coupling element is intermediate the grip and the ball nose toallow rotational and articulating motion of the swivel coupling element.The seal is coupled to the ball nose. The clamp is configured inoperative relation with the seal and operable to close about the swivelcoupling element. The soft landing body is configured in operativerelation with the seal. The alignment cone is slidably coupled to thesoft landing body. The hub is coupled to the second line. The sealingsurface is defined by the hub. The alignment lip is defined by the huband is configured to protect the seal and to guide the seal into matingengagement with the sealing surface. The clamping recess is defined bythe hub and is configured to mate with the clamp upon closure of theclamp. The landing base is in operative relation with the hub and isconfigured to receive the alignment cone.

In other aspects, the active connector may also include a supportstructure coupled between the grip and the soft landing body. Thesupport structure may be configured to slide the soft landing bodyrelative to the alignment cone. The rotational motion may be 360 degreesand the articulating motion may be about twenty degrees or less. Theseal may be a ribbed metal seal. The connector system may also includean annulus testing port coupled to the active connector and configuredin operative relation with the seal. The ball nose and the seal may beintegral.

In another respect, the invention is a method for connecting a firstline to a second line. An active connector coupled to a the first lineis provided. The active connector includes a swivel coupling element; aseal in operative relation with the swivel coupling element, a clampconfigured in operative relation with the seal, a soft landing bodyconfigured in operative relation with the seal, and an alignment coneslidably coupled to the soft landing body. A hub assembly coupled to thesecond line is provided. The hub assembly includes a hub, a sealingsurface, a clamping recess defined by the hub, and a landing baseconfigured in operative relation to the hub. The active connector ispositioned adjacent the hub assembly. The active connector is hardlanded by passing the alignment cone over an outer surface of the hub toengage the landing base. The active connector is soft landed onto thehub assembly by sliding the soft landing body relative to the alignmentcone in a direction toward the landing base. The seal is seated intomating engagement with the sealing surface. The clamp is activated toclose about the swivel coupling element so as to draw together the sealand the sealing surface into sealing relationship to connect the firstline to the second line.

In other aspects, a remotely operated vehicle may perform thepositioning, the hard landing, the soft landing, the seating, theactivating, or any combination thereof. The active connector may alsoinclude an annulus testing port configured in operative relation withthe seal, and the method may also include annulus testing the seal.

In another respect, the invention is a method for connecting a firstline to a second line. An active connector coupled to the first line isprovided. The active connector includes a swivel coupling element; agrip configured in operative relation with the swivel coupling element;a ball nose coupled to the grip and configured in operative relationwith the swivel coupling element; a seal coupled to the ball nose; aclamp configured in operative relation to the seal; an annulus testingport configured in operative relation to the seal; a soft landing bodyconfigured in operative relation to the seal; and an alignment coneslidably coupled to the soft landing body. A hub assembly coupled to thesecond line is provided. The hub assembly includes a hub; a sealingsurface defined by the hub; an alignment lip defined by the hub; aclamping recess defined by the hub; and a landing base configured inoperative relation to the hub. The active connector is positionedadjacent the hub assembly. The active connector is hard landed bypassing the alignment cone over an outer surface of the hub to engagethe landing base. The active connector is soft landed onto the hubassembly by sliding the soft landing body relative to the alignment conein a direction toward the landing base. The seal is seated into matingengagement with the sealing surface with the alignment lip. The clamp isactivated to close about the swivel coupling element. The clampingrecess is mated with the clamp. The grip is mated with the clamp. Theseal and the sealing surface are drawn together into sealingrelationship to connect the first line to the second line.

In other aspects, the method may also include engaging the alignment lipwith the ball nose. A remotely operated vehicle may perform thepositioning, the hard landing, the soft landing, the seating, theactivating, the mating the clamping recess, the mating the grip, thedrawing together, or any combination thereof. The method may alsoinclude annulus testing the seal with the annulus testing port. Aremotely operated vehicle may perform the annulus testing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a cross sectional view of a connector apparatus with a clampin an open position according to one embodiment of the presentlydisclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 1B is a cross sectional view of a connector apparatus with a clampin a closed position according to one embodiment of the presentlydisclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a three dimensional view of an active connector according toone embodiment of the presently disclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view showing a connection between a supportstructure and a soft landing body according to one embodiment of thepresently disclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a three dimensional view of a hub assembly according to oneembodiment of the presently disclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a three dimensional view of a connector apparatus according toone embodiment of the presently disclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 6A is a detailed three dimensional view of a connector apparatushaving an open clamp, according to one embodiment of the presentlydisclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 6B is a detailed three dimensional view of a connector apparatushaving a closed clamp, according to one embodiment of the presentlydisclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 7 illustrates sealing of a connector apparatus according to oneembodiment of the presently disclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a connector apparatus having areplaceable seal according to one embodiment of the presently disclosedmethod and apparatus.

FIG. 9A is a three dimensional view illustrating articulating motion ofa connector apparatus according to one embodiment of the presentlydisclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 9B is a three dimensional view illustrating articulating motion ofa connector apparatus according to one embodiment of the presentlydisclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a connector apparatus including an annulustesting port according to one embodiment of the presently disclosedmethod and apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of an installation sequenceaccording to one embodiment of the presently disclosed method andapparatus.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of another step of an installation sequenceaccording to one embodiment of the presently disclosed method andapparatus.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of another step of an installationsequence according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed methodand apparatus.

FIG. 14 illustrates the use of a remotely operated vehicle inconjunction with a connector apparatus according to one embodiment ofthe presently disclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 15 shows a three dimensional view of a remotely operated vehicleactivating a clamp of a connector apparatus according to one embodimentof the presently disclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 16 shows a torque tool utilized in one embodiment of the presentlydisclosed method and apparatus.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment utilizing an integral ball nose and sealaccording to one embodiment of the presently disclosed method andapparatus.

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment utilizing an integral ball nose andseal according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed method andapparatus.

FIG. 19 is a three dimensional view of a remote articulated connectoraccording to one embodiment of the presently disclosed method andapparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

It will be appreciated that the disclosed method and apparatus providefor certain significant advantages. For instance, the method andapparatus, by providing articulation at a connection point, allow forsubsea pipeline connections that significantly reduce stress at thatconnection point. Additionally, the installation time necessary forconnecting pipelines may be significantly reduced because, in part,angular subsea measurements between the subsea pipelines being connectedbecome less critical due to the articulation achieved by the presentlydisclosed techniques. Subsea pipelines may be installed and connectedwith or without the assistance of a diver. More specifically, becausethe presently disclosed techniques may greatly reduce costs, theadditional costs associated with divers may be acceptable. In otherwords, the presently disclosed technique makes using divers affordable,although divers are not required. The method and apparatus allow forpipeline connections despite a certain degree of angular misalignment.Further, the method and apparatus provide for a connection system thatis self-aligning. Still further, seals of the presently disclosedapparatus do not perform alignment functions, and therefore the life ofthe apparatus may be increased considerably. Also, annulus testing maybe incorporated in the apparatus, allowing for quick subsea testing ofconnections. The annulus testing provides cost savings, and becauseseals do not perform alignment, annulus testing may be more reliable.

Turning first to FIG. 1A, there is shown, in cross section, a remotearticulated connector apparatus 10. Connector 10 includes a first line12, a second line 14, a swivel coupling element 16, a grip 18, a ballnose 20, a seal 22, a clamp 24, a soft landing body 26, an alignmentcone 28, a hub 30, a sealing surface 32, an alignment lip 34, anclamping recess 36, a landing base 38, a support structure 40, and anannulus testing port 42.

A portion of connector 10 may be termed an active connector 50. Activeconnector 50 includes swivel coupling element 16, grip 18, ball nose 20,seal 22, clamp 24 soft landing body 26, alignment cone 28, annulustesting port 42, and support structure 40. Another portion of connector10, a portion designed to mate with active connector 50, may be termed ahub assembly 54. Hub assembly 54 includes hub 30, sealing surface 32,alignment lip 34, clamping recess 36, and landing base 38.

In one embodiment, connector 10 may serve to sealingly connect firstline 12 to second line 14 by bringing together active connector 50 andhub assembly 54. In this regard, first line 12 and second line 14 may beany type or combination of types of lines. For instance, the lines mayinclude, but are not limited to, jumper pipes, subsea pipes, productionflowlines, risers, and in the repair of pipelines.

The size and construction of first lines 12 and 14 may conform withsizes and construction materials known in the art. For instance, in oneconfiguration, first line 12 and second line 14 may have a diameter ofnominally 4 inches, but in other embodiments may range from about 2inches to about 40 inches. Again, those of skill in the art willunderstand that any size suitable for making connections may besubstituted therewith.

In the illustrated embodiment, coupled to first line 12 may be swivelcoupling element 16 that may allow for rotational and/or articulatingmotion so that first line 12 may be connected to line 14 despite acertain degree of misalignment between lines 12 and 14. Although hereillustrated as an articulated ball connector, BIMS Ball Flangeconnector, with benefit of this description swivel coupling element 16may be any device suitable to provide a connection of two or more linesdespite a certain degree of misalignment. For instance, in otherembodiments, Hydrotech Misalignment Flange, Cameron Swivel Ball, orSecurmax Flexiball may be used. The size of swivel coupling element 16may vary widely depending on, for instance, the size of first and secondlines 12 and 14. The size of the swivel coupling may generally match thesize of the lines.

In one embodiment, swivel coupling element 16 may be made from carbonsteel, but it is to be understood with benefit of this disclosure thatit may be made from any other material(s) including, but not limited to,alloy steel, Inconel, high chrome, high nickel, stainless, duplexstainless steels, or any combination thereof.

As seen clearly in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, swivel coupling element 16 maybe arranged in a position intermediate grip 18 and ball nose 20. Inillustrated embodiments, such an arrangement may allow for rotationaland articulating motion. As may better be seen in FIG. 1A and FIG. 10, aconvex outer surface of swivel coupling element 16 may engage a concaveinner surface of grip 18 at gripping location 90 (see, e.g., FIG. 10).More particularly, and with reference to FIG. 7, it may be seen thatgripping location 90 may include gripping portion 90 a of grip 18 andgripping portion 90 b of swivel coupling element 16. These two portionsmay engage, generally, at gripping portion 90 of FIG. 10. In oneembodiment, the surfaces of grip 18 and/or swivel coupling element 16may be treated to facilitate or improve gripping characteristics. Aconcave inner surface of swivel coupling element 16 may engage a convexouter surface of ball nose 20 to form a seal. More particularly, andwith reference to FIG. 7, it may be seen that portion 110 a of swivelcoupling element 16 may sealingly engage with portion 110 b of ball nose20 to form a seal. Such a seal, as is the case for all seals describedherein, may be any type of seal including, but not limited to, a metalto metal seal.

The design described above advantageously may allow for 360 degrees orless of rotational motion and, in one embodiment, about twenty degreesor less of articulating motion. Regarding rotational motion, activeconnector 50 may rotate 360 degrees or less about an axis 13 depicted inFIG. 1A. Again, if so desired rotation may be limited to less than 360°to fit specific requirements.

Reference to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B better illustrates what is meant byarticulating motion. In FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, it may be seen that swivelcoupling element 16, grip 18, and ball nose 20 allow for articulatingmotion that may also be described as a swiveling motion. Here, thatswiveling motion is illustrated as both articulating motion to the rearand left and articulating motion to the front and right. However, itwill be understood that swivel coupling element 16 may be configuredsuch that articulating motion may occur toward any direction, oralternatively may be limited to occur in collected directions if sodesired. FIGS. 9A and 9B demonstrate that articulation of activeconnector 50 may occur adjacent a connection site. In particular,according to the present disclosure, active connector 50 may beconfigured to exhibit articulation at or near the end of first line 12so that articulation may be provided adjacent the connection locus oflines 12 and 14. As mentioned earlier, providing articulation at or neara connection site advantageously reduces stress at the connection site,increasing the reliability and durability of the seal. Additionally,providing articulation as illustrated herein (adjacent the connectionsite, rather than, for instance, at a mid-line location), advantageouslyeliminates the need for any additional restraining support mechanisms.More specifically, mid-line articulation systems may need to besupported or restrained so that their mid-sections do not sag.Embodiments described herein utilizing connection site articulation,however, do not need such additional support or restraint, for thearticulation does not contribute to unwanted sagging or otherundesirable swiveling.

With benefit of this disclosure, those of skill in the art willrecognize that the design of the present apparatus may be modified toallow for different degrees and types of articulating motion. Inparticular, depending upon the design, and more particularly, thecurvature and engagement of swivel coupling element 16, grip 18 and ballnose 20, different degrees of articulating motion may be achieved. Inone embodiment, articulating motion up to about 20 degrees or less (inany direction) may be achieved. In another embodiment, about 12.5degrees or less (in any direction) of articulating motion may beachieved. In yet another embodiment, about 5 degrees or less (in anydirection) of articulating motion may be achieved. In still anotherembodiment, about 2 degrees or less (in any direction) of articulatingmotion may be achieved. In one embodiment, the degree of motion may begreater in one direction than another. In one embodiment, articulationmay be in discrete steps instead of the continuous motion articulationhere illustrated. For instance, articulation may be ratcheted orotherwise controlled so that motion may be limited to occur in discreteunits. In one embodiment, articulation may be distributed between two ormore locations. For example articulation may be combined with one ormore sealing components. FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 demonstrate an embodimentwhere articulation of swivel coupling element 16 may be associated withintegral seal 96 and 88, of FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, respectively.

Grip 18 may be attached to ball nose 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1A andFIG. 1B, and as clearly illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 6A and FIG.6B. As illustrated, in one embodiment grip 18 may be attached to ballnose 20 through the use of reciprocal, interlocking tongues and grooves.A projecting tongue portion 19 (see FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B) defined in thelower region of grip 18 may matingly engage a recess 21 (see FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B) defined in upper region of ball nose 20. Likewise, a projectingtongue 23 (see FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B) defined in an upper region of ballnose 20 matingly engages a recess 25 (see FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B) definedin grip 18. This attachment, adjacent a lower portion of swivel couplingelement 18, with the curved portion of swivel coupling element 16intermediate, may be used to provide the motion capabilities ofconnector 10 mentioned above. Alternatively, the grip 18 and the ballnose 20 may be joined together by threading the area shown as tongue andgroove in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B. In one embodiment, a set of bolts mayalso be used to join the grip 18 and ball nose 20.

In one embodiment, springs may be included in the assembly of the grip18 and ball nose 20. The springs may be used to adjust the stiffness orresistance to rotation or articulation. The springs may be used asindividual springs surrounding one or more assembly bolts or as a singlespring positioned intermediate grip 18 and ball nose 20.

In one embodiment, grip 18 may be constructed from carbon steel, but anyother suitable material such as those used in swivel coupling element 16may be substituted therewith. Likewise, ball nose 20 may be constructedfrom any suitable material, including the same materials as swivelcoupling element 16. The size of both grip 18 and ball nose 20 may varywidely, depending upon the size of swivel coupling element 16, whichitself may depend upon, among other things, the size of first line 12and second line 14.

In one embodiment, a seal 22 may be coupled to ball nose 20. Seal 22 maybe connected to ball nose 20 by a detent device-, but those of skill inthe art will recognize that several other connection techniques may beutilized including, but not limited to, threads on the external surfaceof the seal or friction or grub screws. Seal 22 may be a ribbed metalseal, and more particularly, a GRAYLOCK or AX type seal. Other sealsand/or combinations of seals may also be used. For instance, ANSI R orRX, or API BX seals may also serve as the connection locus for firstline 12 and second line 14.

In one embodiment, seal 22 may be configured to seat in matingengagement with sealing surface 32. In one embodiment, more clearlyillustrated in FIG. 4, sealing surface 32 may be defined by hub 30.Sealing surface 32 may be of the same material as hub 30 or may be madeup of one or more different materials. In one embodiment, sealingsurface 32 may be formed with an overlay. The purpose of such an overlaymay be corrosion resistance, hardness, or to modify frictioncharacteristics. In one embodiment, sealing surface 32 may be about thesame width as the seal face, but the dimensions may vary widelyaccording to need and according to, for instance, the size of first line12 and second line 14. In one embodiment, a minimum diameter of sealingsurface 32 may be larger than a minimum diameter of the interior of hub30, so that the inner edge of sealing surface 32 may be defined by aninwardly sloping surface. However, it is contemplated that a minimumdiameter of sealing surface 32 may be smaller than a minimum diameter ofthe interior of hub 30, so that the inner edge of sealing surface 32 maybe defined by an outwardly sloping surface. The degree of slope may varywidely, but in one embodiment, it may be about 20 degrees. The sealingslope may be at a single angle or at multiple angles. Multiple anglesmay accommodate improved sealing, or may allow sealing at multiplelocations.

The embodiment of FIG. 17 illustrates that ball nose 20 may be combinedwith seal 22 to form an integral ball nose 96. In this embodiment, itmay be seen that integral ball nose 96 may form seals at locations 110(see also, FIG. 7) and 120. Such seals may be metal to metal seals orany other suitable seal. The embodiment of FIG. 18 demonstrates anotherembodiment in which a ball nose may be combined with a seal. In thisembodiment, an integral ball nose 88 is utilized. Integral ball nose 88may form seals at locations 110 (see also FIG. 7), 124, and 122. Inthese embodiments, and in the other embodiments described herein,annulus seals 86 and debris wipers 84 may be utilized as illustrated.However, with benefit of this disclosure, it will be understood thatseals may be formed in embodiments that do not utilize annulus seals 86and/or debris wipers 84.

With reference to FIG. 7, it may be seen how sealing may be achievedaccording to one embodiment of the presently disclosed apparatus. There,gripping portion 90 a of grip 18 may be configured to engage grippingportion 90 b of swivel coupling element 16. Portion 112 b of grip 18 maybe configured to engage portion 112 a of clamp 24. Portion 110 a ofswivel coupling element 16 may form a seal with portion 110 b of ballnose 20. More particularly, a seal may be formed between swivel couplingelements 16 and ball nose 20 adjacent debris wiper 84 and annulus seal86 of portion 110 b. Portion 106 a of ball nose 20 may form a seal withportion 106 b of seal 22. Portion 108 a of ball nose 20 may form a sealwith portion 108 b of seal 22. In one embodiment, the seal may beadjacent portion 106 b and annulus seal 86. Portion 100 a of seal 22 mayform a seal with portion 100 b of hub 30, and more particularly, withportion 100 b of sealing surface 32. Portion 102 a of seal 22 may form aseal with portion 102 b of hub 30, and more particularly, with portion102 b of sealing surface 32. In one embodiment, the seal may be adjacentportion 100 a and annulus seal 86. Portion 114 b of hub 30 may beconfigured to engage portion 114 a of clamp 24. Portion 92 of ball nose20 may advantageously engage alignment lip 34, as discussed previously,to allow for guidance of seal 22 into position without using the sealfor alignment. Again, in the description above, seals may be of any typeincluding metal to metal seals. Seals may be formed without debriswiper(s) 84 and/or annulus seals 86.

With the benefit of the present disclosure, those having skill in theart will understand that other sealing arrangements may be utilizedother than that of the embodiment of FIG. 7. For instance, withreference to FIG. 17, it may be seen that integral ball nose 96 may forma seal with swivel coupling element 16 at location 110, and may form aseal with hub 30, and more particularly, sealing surface 32 at location120. These locations may be, in one embodiment, adjacent annulus seals86 and/or debris wipers 84. In the embodiment of FIG. 18, it may be seenthat integral ball nose 88 may form a seal with swivel coupling element16 at location 110 and with hub 30, and more particularly sealingsurface 32 at locations 122 and 124. As with the embodiment of FIG. 17,the sealing locations may be adjacent locations of annulus seals 86.With the benefit of this disclosure, annulus seals 86 and debris wiper84 may be standard annulus seals and debris wipers as are known in theart. For instance, annulus seals 86 may be O-rings or any suitabledevice and may be constructed from, for example, viton, PTFE, urethane,or any other suitable material. Debris wiper 84 may be constructed from,in one embodiment, polymers or urethane, or any other suitable material

FIG. 8 illustrates that integral ball nose 88 may act as a replaceablesealing unit. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, connector apparatus 10 mayinclude a securing member 53. In one embodiment, securing member 53 maybe coupled to an upper portion of integral ball nose 88, adjacentannulus seal 86, and may be configured to secure integral ball nose 88to ensure that integral ball nose 88 may be removed as a single unit.More specifically, in this embodiment, and in other illustratedembodiments, it is contemplated that active connector 50 may beseparated from hub 30 so that a replaceable sealing unit, such asintegral ball nose 88 in FIG. 8 (or, in other embodiments, the ball nose20/seal 22 combination in, e.g., FIG. 10) may be removed and replacedwith another sealing unit. In such an embodiment, connector apparatus 10advantageously provides for the ability to easily replace sealingelements, as a manageable unit, subsea. In illustrated embodiments, itis contemplated that securing member 53, or a like structure, may beutilized to secure sealing elements together to form a sealing unit thatmay be replaced. With the benefit of the present disclosure, thosehaving skill in the art will recognize that other structures differentin design from securing member 53 may be used. Also, it will beunderstood that a sealing unit need not necessarily consist of a singleunit. Rather, more than one element may be configured to be removed fromactive connector 50 so that replacement element(s) may be inserted.

In illustrated embodiments, and easily seen with reference to FIG. 4,FIG. 7, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18, an alignment lip 34 may be defined by hub30. Along with sealing surface 32, alignment lip 34 may be configured toprotect, to receive, and to seat seal 22 (or any of the combination ballnoses described above) into sealing association to join first line 12 tosecond line 14. More specifically, a ribbed portion 31 (see FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B) of seal 22 may be configured to sit in recess 33 (see FIG. 4)defined by sealing surface 32 and alignment lip 34 as may be clearlyseen with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6A, and FIG. 6B. Alignmentsurface 34 may be configured to protect and guide seal 22 toward sealingsurface 32 without damaging, bumping, or scratching any seal. It will beunderstood that seal 22 eventually must make contact and may, in fact,encounter a degree of bumping with another surface, such as sealingsurface 32 during, for instance, seating and while being drawn intosealing contact. However, it is to be stressed that during alignment,seal 22 may nonetheless avoid damage because, in illustratedembodiments, it need not perform alignment functions. With reference toFIG. 5, FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 7, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18, it may be moreclearly seen that alignment lip 34 may mate with portion 92 of ball nose20. In particular, a surface of portion 92 of ball nose 20 may beconfigured to matingly engage an outer surface of alignment lip 34. Whenso configured, the guiding of seal 22 may be facilitated without usingany seal for alignment. More particularly, portion 92 and alignment lip34 may cooperatively direct and locate seal 22 (or any combination ballnose such as combination ball noses 96 and 88 illustrated in FIG. 17 andFIG. 18) into seating alignment. Again, sealing surface 32advantageously need not perform alignment functions that may scratch orotherwise harm the sealing surface and lead to, for instance, failure toachieve a seal, or a short product lifetime.

Alignment lip 34 may be constructed from the same material as hub 30 ormay be made up of one or more different materials. In one embodiment,sealing surface 32 may be made from a hardenable steel and attached tothe hub 30, but any other suitable material may be substitutedtherewith. In one embodiment, the height of alignment lip 34 may beabout equal in height to the engagement length of the seal. However, itis contemplated that its dimensions may vary widely.

Clamp 24 may be arranged in operative relation to seal 22 so that it mayclose about swivel coupling element 16 to seal lines 12 and 14. Clamp 24may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, ASI4130, 4140, or 8630. In illustrated embodiments, clamp 24 includessegments arranged in opposing relation, but it is contemplated thatsegments need not be used, or that more or fewer segments may be used.For instance, with the benefit of the present disclosure, those of skillin the art will recognize that several different types of clamps knownin the art may be substituted for the clamp illustrated herein. Forinstance, one may use a clamp such as the original GRAYLOC clamp, theCameron MCPAC clamp, or the Vetco GSR clamp.

FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9B illustrate thatclamp 24 may include a manual or remotely operable clamp actuator suchas bolt 52. Bolt 52 may be configured to advance opposing sides of clamp24 toward swivel coupling element 16. Specifically, bolt 52 may beconfigured to fit within a remotely operable device such as torquemake-up tool 70 of FIG. 16. In one embodiment, bolt 52 may beconstructed from ASTM A193 Grade B7 stud material and may be about equalor slightly larger than an ANSI stud designated for that class offitting. The number of threads per inch may be as large as reasonablypossible, and in one embodiment, may be an 8-pitch thread form. Thegreater number of threads may decrease the thread ramp angle and thusreduce the tendency to reverse motion under load. Bolt 52 may be madefrom high alloy steels in one embodiment. The thread form may be astandard V-thread or one of the ACME thread forms.

It will be understood that other types of clamp actuators may beemployed including, but not limited to, hydraulic devices, pneumaticdevices, and electromechanical devices. These may be either an integralpart of the deployed connection system or be a part of a removableinstallation tool. Clamp 24 may be supported about swivel couplingelement 16 by support structure 40 as may be seen clearly in FIG. 2,FIG. 5, FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9B. As illustrated, support structure 40 maybe configured to receive bolt 52, via an appropriately sized opening orby other means suitable for securely holding the bolt. In illustratedembodiments, a proximate end 37 (see FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) of supportstructure 40 may be coupled to seal 22 via connection with grip 18,which may be seen clearly with reference to FIG. 1A. In illustratedembodiments, a distal end 39 (see FIG. 1A) of support structure 40 maybe connected to soft landing body 26, which will be discussed below.

In one embodiment, a lower portion 41 (see FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) of clamp24 may be configured to mate with clamping recess 36 (see, e.g., FIG.1A). As illustrated in FIG. 4, clamping recess 36 may be defined by hub30. More specifically, hub 30 may include a recess designed to mate withprojecting portions of clamp 24. The mating engagement of clamp 24 withclamping recess 36 may be seen clearly with reference to FIG. 1B, FIG.5, and FIG. 6B, all of which show clamp 24 matingly engaging clampingrecess 36, the clamp being in a closed position about swivel couplingelement 16. With reference to FIG. 7, it may be seen that, in oneembodiment, portion 114 a of clamp 24 may engage portion 114 b of hub 30during the sealing process. Although in illustrated embodiments clampingrecess 36 is depicted as having a generally rectangular shape, those ofskill in the art will recognize that clamp 24 and clamping recess 36 maytake the form of any number of matching shapes suitable to allow formating engagement. Although clamping recess 36 may be constructed fromthe same material(s) as hub 30, it is contemplated that differentmaterials may be used. Additionally, one or more surfaces of clampingrecess 36 may be treated with one or more materials as is known in theart. Such materials may, for instance, resist corrosion or facilitatemating engagement. Likewise, projecting portions of clamp 24 may beconstructed from one or more different materials from the rest of clampbody 24. Additionally, projecting portions of clamp 24 may be treated asdescribed above to increase durability or enhance mating engagementparameters.

An upper portion 43 (see FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) of clamp 24 may beconfigured to mate with grip 18. More specifically, grip 18 may includean appropriately shaped outer surface adapted to matingly engage aninner surface clamp 24. With reference to FIG. 7, it may be seen that,in one embodiment, portion 112 a of claim 24 may engage portion 112 b ofgrip 18. Although in illustrated embodiments, clamp 24 defines an innersurface having a shape that is generally rectangular, those of skill inthe art will recognize that clamp 24 and grip 18 may take the form ofany number of matching shapes that allow for mating engagement.

The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, showing hub assembly 54,demonstrates that hub 30 may be coupled to second line 14. Hub 30 may becoupled to second line 14 by any means suitable, including butt welding.Although its diameter may vary widely according to, for instance, thesize of second line 14, in one embodiment hub 30 may range from about 2inches to about 30 inches, and more particularly, from about 4 {fraction(1/16)} inches to about 16 inches.

Shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 is landing base 38.Landing base 38 may be arranged in operative relation to hub 30, andmore particularly, may be connected to second line 14 adjacent hub 30 byany suitable means. In one embodiment, landing base 38 may beconstructed from any structural grade materials, but those of skill inthe art will recognize that other materials suitable for supporting aload may be used. In one embodiment, landing base 38 may be generallycircular, but any other shape suitable to receive and support alignmentcone 28 may be used. For instance, other embodiments may utilize othershapes such as rectangles, ellipses, diamonds, or polygons. Inillustrated embodiments, landing base 38 may be configured to act inconjunction with alignment cone 28 to land active connector 50 (see FIG.2) of remote articulated connector 10, with hub assembly 54 of remotearticulated connector 10 (see FIG. 4). More particularly, landing base38 may be configured to receive alignment cone 28 so that activeconnector 50 may be placed in proper position throughout the connectionprocess, as will be described in more detail below.

Turning to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5, there is shown softlanding body 26 and an alignment cone 28. Soft landing body 26 may bearranged in operative relation to seal 22, and more particularly, it maybe coupled to distal end 39 (see FIG. 1A) of support structure 40.Attachment means for connecting to support structure 40 may be by anysuitable means. The embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrates one way in whichsoft landing body 26 may be coupled to support structure 40. There, itmay be seen that distal end 39 of support structure 40 may be bolted tosoft landing body 26 via bolts 51. In illustrated embodiments, softlanding body 26 may be equipped with one or more tabs or rings 27. Softlanding body 26 may be coupled to alignment cone by any suitable means,but in the illustrated embodiments, it may be connected via twointerlocking tongue and grooves—as indicated in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG.2, and FIG. 5. As illustrated, such tongue and grooves may be positionednear the middle and bottom portion of soft landing body 26. However,with the benefit of the present disclosure, those of skill in the artwill understand that other connection techniques may be substituted forthe illustrated tongues and grooves, and different connection locationsmay be utilized.

In one embodiment, soft landing body 26 slidably engages alignment cone28. In one embodiment, sliding may be hydraulic. In other words, softlanding body 26 may be coupled to a hydraulic device that controls therelative motion of soft landing body 26 and alignment cone 28. In oneembodiment, the hydraulic device may be a piston, but any other devicesuitable for controlling relative movement may be substituted therewith.In one embodiment, soft landing body may slide relative to alignmentcone 28 in between the tongue and groove connection points. Withreference to FIG. 1A, it may be seen that tabs 27 may be in an upperposition relative to alignment cone 28, while in FIG. 1B, soft landingbody 26 has slid downward relative to alignment cone 28 until tabs 27engage a lip 29 defined by alignment cone 28. In sliding down relativeto alignment cone 28, it is to be noted that active connector 50 alsoslides downward, resulting in seating engagement of seal 22 alongsealing surface 32, as illustrated in FIG. 1B and FIG. 5. Although theabove paragraph references the motion as being downward motion, it willbe understood that the above description applies equally well to motionthat is not vertical. In particular, all illustrated embodiments may beadapted to operate with lines facing horizontally, or at any angle, andthe descriptions are thus not to limited to vertical arrangements.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, and more particularly, FIG. 10 show optionalannulus testing port 42. In the illustrated embodiments, annulus testingport 42 may be configured to extend through ball nose 20 so as to besuitable for injection of testing fluid 80 into one or more channelsdefined adjacent elements in operative relation with seal 22 so that aseal integrity may be evaluated. Annulus testing advantageously quicklyensures that a connection is safe to operate prior to introducingproduced fluid into, for example, a pipeline. The ability to quicklytest a connection advantageously provides for cost savings duringinstallation and connection of lines. With the benefit of the presentdisclosure, those of skill in the will understand that differentindependent ports may be substituted with port 42 and that differentareas may of ball nose 20 and/or other elements may be used toaccommodate annulus testing.

Turning to FIG. 10, it may be seen that testing fluid 80 may betransported through annulus testing port 42 to test the seals of swivelcoupling element 16 and seal 22. More particularly, fluid 80, which maybe any fluid suitable or known in the art for annulus testing, may bedirected through one or more channels 83 leading toward one or moreseals, such as the seals associated with swivel coupling element 16 andseal 22. In illustrated embodiments, fluid 80 may be confined atlocations 82 adjacent sealing locations so that the seal may be testedas is known in the art. More specifically, for the swivel couplingelement seal in the illustrated embodiment, fluid 80 may be confinedbetween annulus seal 82 and debris wiper 84 at location 82. Withreference to FIG. 7, this area may be associated with portions 110 a ofswivel coupling element 16 and portion 110 b of ball nose 20. Likewise,for the seal of seal 22, fluid 80 may be confined between annulus seal86 and a shoulder 85 of seal 22. With reference to FIG. 7, this area maybe associated with portions 100 a and 102 a of seal 22 and 100 b and 102b of hub 30, and portions 106 b and 108 b of seal 22 and 106 a and 108 aof ball nose 20.

To sealingly join first line 12 to second line 14, active connector 50(see FIG. 2) may be coupled to first line 12 as described herein. Hubassembly 54 (see FIG. 4) may be coupled to second line 14 as describedherein. In one embodiment, second line 14 may be fixed and coupled to,for instance, a subsea tree or a pipeline end manifold (PLEM), whileactive connector 50 may be free to move and may be coupled to, forinstance, a remotely operated vehicle. In another embodiment, thereverse may be true—active connector 50 may be fixed in place while hubassembly 54 may be free to move. In other embodiments, both activeconnector 50 and hub assembly 54 may be able to move freely. Theremaining description will, for convenience only, assume that secondline 14 and hub assembly 54 are fixed and are positioned below(vertically) first line 12 and active connector 50. However, withbenefit of this disclosure, those having skill in the art will recognizethat other initial configuration may be utilized. For instance, one orboth lines may be horizontal or at any angle relative to one another.

Assuming second line 14 is subsea, a first step in a connectionprocedure may be to lower active connector 50 toward hub assembly 54 asshown generally in FIG. 11. Lowering may be accomplished in a number ofdifferent ways well known in the art. In one embodiment, one or morecables may be attached to first line 12, and active connector 50 may belowered with the one or more cables from a vessel above second line 14.With active connector 50 positioned generally above hub assembly 54,active connector 50 may be further lowered so that alignment cone 28passes over an outer surface of hub 30, and more particularly, over anouter surface of alignment lip 34. Again, this embodiment of thedisclosed apparatus provides a guiding surface in the form of alignmentlip 34 that is distinct from sealing surface 32, and advantageouslyallows for protection and alignment of the connector without damagingsealing surface 32. More specifically, alignment cone 28 may bump,scratch, rub against, or otherwise engage alignment lip 34 during itsjourney toward landing base 38 without contacting, scratching, orotherwise degrading the integrity of sealing surface 32.

An inner surface of alignment cone 28 may pass over an outer surface ofhub 30 and may continue to be lowered toward landing base 38. As may benoted from FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, theshape of alignment cone 28 may aid in rough alignment of seal 22 withsealing surface 32. In particular, a decreasing interior diameter ofalignment cone 28 may steadily guide active connector 50 to a positiondirectly above hub assembly 54, and more particularly, into a positionin which seal 22 is aligned with sealing surface 32. Again, throughoutthis guiding process, it is to be noted that sealing surface 32 mayremain protected from potentially harmful contact because alignment lip34 (and not sealing surface 32) contacts alignment cone 28. In otherwords, this embodiment of the disclosed method and apparatus does notrequire the seal or the sealing surface to perform alignment functions.

When alignment cone 28 engages landing base 38, the active connector maybe said to have “hard landed”. Thus, as used herein, “hard landing” mayrefer to the steps leading up to and including engagement of alignmentcone 28 with landing base 38. FIG. 1A more clearly illustrates an activeconnector 50 in a hard-landed state. As may be seen, alignment cone 28has landed on landing base 38. In this position, active connector 50 isaligned above hub assembly 54 and seal 22 is aligned with sealingsurface 32. In this position, clamp 24 is shown as being fully open.Following hard landing, active connector 50 may be further lowered sothat a seal may be formed.

Procedures following hard landing may be referred to as “soft landing”.In illustrated embodiments, a final lowering step, a “soft landing”, maybe accomplished by further lowering active connector 50, now alignedover hub assembly 54. The soft landing may occur in an aligned manner atleast in part because of the interaction of soft landing body 26 andalignment cone 28. As active connector 50 is lowered further followinghard landing, soft landing body 26 may slide relative to alignment cone28. In one embodiment, sliding may be aided hydraulically. The rate ofdescent of active connector 50 may be controlled, if so desired as isknown in the art. In one embodiment, the materials making up tabs 27and/or alignment cone 28 may be varied so as to achieve a desirablefriction coefficient that may lead to further control of the rate ofdescent. Further, one may equip soft landing body 26 or alignment cone28 with a suitable ratchet type mechanism so that the soft landing ofactive connector 50 may be further controlled. In this case-, thelowering process may be monitored ratchet step by ratchet step.

The sliding of soft landing body 26 relative to alignment cone 28 mayserve to ensure that seal 22 remains aligned with sealing surface 32throughout the soft landing process. Specifically, the rigid, straightprofile of soft landing body 26 (seen most clearly in FIG. 1) may keepactive connector in-line throughout the soft landing process.Additionally, and with reference to FIG. 7, it may be seen that portion92 of ball nose 20 may further aid in protection and alignment, avoidingdamage to seal 22. In particular, portion 92 may bump or otherwisecontact hub 30, and more particularly, alignment lip 34, during descentso that alignment may be achieved. However, it is to be noted that suchcontact with alignment lip 34 does not adversely affect seal 22, forseal 22 does not align the active connector 50. Reference to softlanding body 26 in FIG. 1B and FIG. 5 illustrate a final positionfollowing soft landing. As may be seen, tabs 27 have slid to theirlowest extent relative to alignment cone 28. More specifically, tabs 27have engaged a lower stop 29 of alignment cone 28. FIG. 6A shows that,after soft landing, seal 22 may be in mating engagement with sealingsurface 32. In this position, clamp 24 may be activated to close aboutswivel coupling element 16 so as to draw together seal 22 and sealingsurface 32 into a sealing association to connect first line 12 to secondline 14.

In illustrated embodiments, clamp 24 may be activated and closed byturning one or more manual or remotely operable clamp bolts actuators,such as 54 (see FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B) In one embodiment,rotation of bolt(s) 54 in a single direction may advance opposing sidesof clamp 24 toward swivel coupling element 16. FIG. 1B, FIG. 5, and FIG.6B show clamp 24 in a closed position according to one embodiment. Asmay be seen, an upper portion 43 (see FIG. 18) of clamp 24 may matinglyengage grip 18 while a lower portion 41 (see FIG. 1B) of clamp 24 maymatingly engage clamping recess 36 (see FIG. 5). More particularly andwith reference to FIG. 7, portions 112 a and 114 a of clamp 24 mayengage portions 112 b of grip 18 and portion 114 b of hub 30,respectively. In a closed position, clamp 24 may force grip 18 downwardand inward and hub 30 upward and inward by virtue of those elements'corresponding shapes. Clamp 24 may exert forces along sides of grip 18,ball nose 20, and hub 30 directed towards seal 22. Thus, clamp 24, byclosing about swivel coupling element 16, may generate forcesencompassing elements near and surrounding seal 22 so that seal 22 maybe brought into sealing association with sealing surface 32. Moreparticularly, those forces may create a metal-to-metal seal that mayjoin first line 12 to second line 14.

FIGS. 11-15 illustrate an installation sequence according to oneembodiment of presently disclosed method and apparatus. In FIG. 11, ajumper pipe 68, having two remote articulated connector apparatuses 10coupled to its ends, is lowered during a final approach. In conventionalconnection methods, the main critical dimensions that will ensure asuccessful landing is the distance between seals of connectors, and therespective angular orientations. However, because remote articulatedconnectors 10 of the disclosed apparatus may tolerate a certain degreeof angular misalignment (see FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B), angular measurementsassociated with two fixed lines, here lines 91 and 93, become lesscritical. This feature eliminates, or significantly reduces, thecritical nature of angular alignment and may therefore advantageouslyprovide for a significantly less expensive, simpler, method andapparatus for connecting one or more lines subsea as described herein.

FIGS. 12 and 13 demonstrate an installation sequence according to oneembodiment. A remote articulated connector apparatus 10 a may be hardlanded while another articulated connector apparatus 10 b has not yetlanded. Articulated connector 10 b may then be hard landed. Articulatedconnector apparatus 10 a may then be soft landed, locked (i.e.,clamped), and sealed according to the disclosure herein. Articulatedconnector apparatus 10 b may then be soft landed, locked (i.e.,clamped), and sealed according to the disclosure herein. In anotherembodiment, the two articulated connectors 10 may each be hard landed.Apparatus 10 a may then be soft landed followed by the soft landing ofapparatus 10 b. Apparatus 10 a may then be locked followed by thelocking of apparatus 10 b. Apparatus 10 a may be sealed followed by thesealing of apparatus 10 b. With the benefit of the present disclosure,those having skill in the art will understand that installationsequences may be varied in many other ways. It will also be understoodthat installation may include annulus testing according to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 10.

In all the embodiments described herein, it has been contemplated that,although not necessary, installation may be assisted with one or moredivers. Thus, one or more divers may assist in the lowering of one ormore remote articulated connectors 10, and one or more divers may, forinstance, manually advance one or more clamp actuators to activate andclose clamp 24 about swivel coupling element 16. Because the presentlydisclosed method and apparatus may significantly reduce costs associatedwith, for instance, installation, one may be able to afford the servicesof divers, although the presently disclosed methods and apparatus do notrequire such services.

Installation figures, including FIGS. 11-15 illustrate that embodimentsdescribed herein may operate without the assistance of divers and mayuse one or more remotely operated vehicles (ROV) 64 to perform one ormore of the installation steps described above. FIG. 14 illustrates thatremotely operated vehicle 64 may lower a first line onto a second lineto, for instance, hard land, soft land, and/or seat a seal. Inillustrated embodiments, remotely operated vehicle 64 may be anyremotely operated vehicle known in the art, and more particularly, anywork-class ROV with manipulators suitable to complete the installationas described herein. In one embodiment, vehicle 64 may be a PerryTritech (Florida) Triton, Viper, or Scorpion ROV.

FIG. 15 demonstrates that remotely operated vehicle 64 may activate andclose clamp 24 without the assistance of divers via, for instance, atorque make-up tool 70, which is shown in more detail in FIG. 16. Inother embodiments, vehicle 64 may utilize any tool suitable foractivating clamp actuators, such as bolt 52. For instance, a hydraulictorque wrench, a bolt tensioner, or a general-purpose torquing devicemay be employed.

While the present disclosure may be adaptable to various modificationsand alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample and described herein. However, it should be understood that thepresent disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular formsdisclosed. Rather, it is to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure asdefined by the appended claims. For instance, the disclosed apparatusmay utilize one or more guide pins 60 that may engage one or more guidecones 62 that may engage one or more landing bases 38, as illustrated inFIG. 19. Such an embodiment may utilize one or more soft landing bodies26 that may slidably engage an upper portion of the one more guide cones62, as illustrated. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, support structure 40may be coupled to guide pins 60. Additionally, although the illustratedembodiments have shown active connector 50 coupled to first line 12, itis contemplated that in other embodiments active connector 50 may becoupled to second line 14. Likewise, it is contemplated that a linecoupled to active connector 50 may be fixed or may be moveable. In otherembodiments, active connector 50 may form a connection when two linesare arranged vertically, horizontally, or at any other angle relative toone another.

Specific examples of just a few other possible embodiments of thedisclosed apparatus and method include use in conjunction or cooperationwith connector systems and components such as those described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,886,300, 4,530,526, 4,618,173, 4,381,871, 4,153,281,4,477,105, 5,468,023, each of which is incorporated herein by reference,in its entirety.

Moreover, the different aspects of the disclosed apparatus and methodsmay be utilized in various combinations and/or independently. Thus theinvention is not limited to only those combinations shown herein, butrather may include other combinations. Those of skill in the art willunderstand that numerous other modifications may be made to thedisclosed method and apparatus, but all such similar substitutes andmodifications are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept ofthe invention as defined by the appended claims.

REFERENCES

The following references, to the extent that they provide exemplaryprocedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, arespecifically incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,281

U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,871

U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,105

U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,526

U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,173

U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,300

U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,023

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector apparatus for connecting a first lineto a second line, comprising: a hub adapted to be coupled to said secondline; a sealing surface coupled to said hub; a seal adapted to becoupled to said first line; an alignment lip coupled to said hub andconfigured to protect said seal and to guide said seal into matingengagement with said sealing surface; a clamp configured to close aboutsaid hub to draw together said seal and said sealing surface intosealing contact to connect said first line to said second line; asupport structure coupled to said clamp; and a bolt coupling saidsupport structure and said clamp, wherein said bolt is operable to closesaid clamp.
 2. The connector apparatus of claim 1, further comprising aball nose coupled to the seal and configured to engage said alignmentlip.
 3. The connector apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a swivelcoupling element for coupling the ball nose to the first line andpermitting rotational and articulating motion of the ball nose withrespect to the first line, wherein said rotational motion is 360 degreesand wherein said articulating motion is about twenty degrees or lessrelative to said first line.
 4. The connector apparatus of claim 2,further comprising an annulus testing port defined in said ball nose. 5.The connector apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a soft landingbody configured in operative relation to said seal; an alignment coneslidably coupled to said soft landing body; a landing base adapted to becoupled to said second line and configured to receive said alignmentcone; wherein said alignment cone is configured to align said seal withsaid sealing surface by passing over an outer surface of said hub; andwherein said soft landing body is configured to slide in relation tosaid alignment cone to guide said seal into seating alignment with saidsealing surface.
 6. The connector apparatus of claim 1, wherein said hubcomprises a clamping recess configured to mate with said clamp uponclosure of said clamp.
 7. The connector apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid sealing surface is recessed.
 8. The connector apparatus of claim 1,wherein said seal comprises a ribbed metal seal.
 9. The connectorapparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more guide pins and oneor more guide cones in operative relation with said seal, said one ormore guide pins configured to engage said one or more guide cones toguide said first line towards said second line.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said sealing surface is defined by said hub.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said alignment lip is defined by said hub.12. A method for connecting a first line to a second line, comprising:providing an active connector coupled to said first line and comprisinga seal; a clamp configured in operative relation with said seal; a softlanding body configured in operative relation with said seal; and analignment cone slidably coupled to said soft landing body; providing ahub assembly coupled to said second line and comprising a hub; a sealingsurface; a clamping recess defined by said hub; and a landing baseconfigured in operative relation to said hub; positioning said activeconnector adjacent said hub assembly; hard landing said active connectorby passing said alignment cone over an outer surface of said hub toengage said landing base; soft landing said active connector onto saidhub assembly by sliding said soft landing body relative to saidalignment cone in a direction toward said landing base; and seating saidseal into mating engagement with said sealing surface; activating saidclamp to draw together said seal and said sealing surface into sealingrelationship to connect said first line to said second line.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein a remotely operated vehicle performs saidpositioning, said hard landing, said soft landing, said seating, saidactivating or any combination thereof.
 14. The method of claim 12,wherein said active connector further comprises an annulus testing portconfigured in operative relation with said seal, and wherein said methodfurther comprises annulus testing said seal.